Israeli NGO Campaigns for Clean Jordan River
Zalul, a leading Israeli nongovernmental organization devoted to protecting Israel's seas and rivers, has undertaken the mission of saving the Jordan River, according to a May 12 press release. The group is demanding that the polluted wastewater entering the river be replaced with clean water.
The organization possesses an excellent track record for bringing about change and renewal to the rivers of Israel and has sworn that it will not turn away until its vision is complete. In addition to a campaign to raise needed funds for stopping the pollution, the organization is calling upon the Pope and other world leaders to speak out against the desecration of the Jordan River.
With the establishment of the State of Israel (1947-48) followed by the National Water Carrier of Israel Project (construction began in 1953), water was taken from the Sea of the Galilee and a dam was built to block water from flowing to the Jordan River. The result was immediate: The Jordan River began to slowly die and the water level in the Dead Sea began to drop. Instead of fresh water flowing into the river, today the Southern Jordan consists of polluted wastewater. As another part of its Jordan River campaign, Zalul is demanding the removal of polluters along the entire length of the river.
Yariv Abramovich, Zalul's executive director, said, "The pollution in this region is devastating, but this is one type of 'peace in the Middle East' that we can restore sooner rather than later, with the right support from individuals who see the importance of our mission and are passionate about our campaign."
Zalul has launched a Web site devoted to the Jordan River campaign for those who are interested in supporting the cause.